Flu season not as bad in Solano County, though vigilance urged

State and federal agencies were warning this year's predominant flu strain -- influenza A H3N2 -- would hit hard. But other than keeping doctors and nurses busy, this year's nasty flu season has not had much of an impact on Solano County, health officials said.

"So far it's not been that bad. We've had a couple of outbreaks in long-term care facilities and a handful of cases reported so far," Solano County Health Officer Dr. Bela Matyas said.

Solano County has not had any reported deaths from influenza this season, Matyas said.

Throughout California, there have been 18 people under the age of 65 who have died after contracting influenza, a state health worker reported.

Other than minor occurrences, Solano County hasn't seen any widespread shortages of flu vaccines which doctors strongly recommend.

"We have to stay vigilant because it could still take a turn for the worse," Matyas said, adding that the flu season can stretch into March and April.

While the flu season is not considered severe in Solano County, numerous people have been ill and sought help in local hospitals, medical centers and doctors' offices.

"The flu season has been keeping us busy. It, fortunately, is not causing a lot of hospital admissions," said Steve Parodi, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center chief of infectious disease in Vallejo.

The local Kaiser call center has seen a 20 percent increase in members seeking advice or appointments about the flu compared to prior years, Parodi said.

Numerous people have also sought help through the Kaiser Emergency Room services, he added.

Complicating matters is an unrelated virus -- health officials are calling naroviruses -- which afflicts people with similar, though slightly different symptoms, Parodi said.

The flu causes high fever, muscle aches, weakness and loss of appetite, plus, in some cases, diarrhea.

Naroviruses primarily cause vomiting and diarrhea, though low-grade fevers, muscle aches, fatigue and headaches can also be present.

Parodi believes the influenza has peaked in southern Solano County and fewer people are calling and seeking attention.

Both Parodi and Metyas recommend common sense prevention techniques to keep from getting or spreading the flu or naroviruses, including vaccinations, washing hands, and coughing into a tissue or sleeve.

Those who do get ill are advised to stay home from school and work, they said.

Kaiser members can call 1-800-KPFLU11 (1-800-573-5811) to get more information about vaccine availability as that information becomes available, the statement read.